Horizon Goodwill Industries Announces Strategic Leadership Promotions

November 1, 2023

Horizon Goodwill Industries Announces Strategic Leadership Promotions

[Hagerstown, October 1, 2023] – Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) is proud to announce the promotion of three dedicated individuals to new leadership positions within the organization. These strategic advancements underscore HGI’s commitment to fostering growth and development from within its talented team.

Debra Carbaugh, a seasoned professional with an impressive 19-year tenure at HGI, has been appointed Chief of Staff and Assistant VP of Strategic Initiatives. In her previous role as Director of Training and Development, Debra demonstrated reliable leadership and her years of dedication to the organization bring unparalleled experience to the position. Leveraging that experience, alongside a deep understanding of the local community and broader Goodwill network, Debra will now play a crucial role in supporting Board of Directors activities, leading strategic initiatives, and extending executive-level capacity.

Tammy Elrick, who started at HGI in 2016 as a Vocational Case Manager, has been promoted to the position of Interim Director of Training and Development. Tammy has served the last two years as a Workforce Development Instructor, playing a pivotal role in shaping the skills and capabilities of HGI’s workforce. Her hands-on experience not only showcases her commitment to the organization’s mission but also positions her uniquely to lead the Training and Development department.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Kenneth Winebrenner to the role of Interim Director of Human Resources. Kenneth, who joined HGI as an Employment Specialist in 2016, brings valuable experience within the organization. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

These promotions reflect HGI’s confidence in the exceptional talents of its team members and the organization’s dedication to nurturing leadership from within. As Debra, Tammy, and Kenneth take on their new roles, Horizon Goodwill Industries looks forward to continued growth, innovation, and success.

About Horizon Goodwill: Horizon Goodwill Industries, whose mission is “Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities,” is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to sustaining and meaningful employment. Ninety cents of every dollar earned by Horizon Goodwill is invested in putting people to work and strengthening communities across a 17-county region throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit https://www.horizongoodwill.org. For media inquiries, contact Craig Foster, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at 301-733-7330 x1630 or cfoster@goodwill-hgi.org.

Blessed because Goodwill gives you Chances

August 30, 2023

Blessed because Goodwill gives you Chances

by Christopher Six, Media Marketing Assistant

“They give people chances, opportunities that other people don’t. Second chances, first chances. They gave me that first chance, and I’m still here.”

Struggling to get by and unable to afford a place for herself and her family in Montgomery County, a friend’s invite brought Tammy Rothgeb-Dawson to Hagerstown and, ultimately, Horizon Goodwill.

Now 60 years old, Tammy grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland. She met her ex-husband at 21, and they had two children – Chris and Billy. But after 27 years of marriage, they decided to separate.

Tammy moved to New Jersey with her youngest, Billy, for eight years. However, things in New Jersey didn’t work out, so they moved back to Montgomery County. By then, her ex-husband had moved out and remarried, so it was just her and her two sons in one of the most expensive counties in the state.

So, grateful for the lifeline from her friend in Hagerstown, she stashed the family’s belongings in storage. She knew she couldn’t stay at her friend’s house indefinitely, but no one was hiring everywhere she looked for work.

“I went everywhere, and nobody was hiring, or I couldn’t get hired on,” she explained. That’s when her friend suggested Goodwill.

After some false starts, the paperwork was finally completed, and she started working in the warehouse. She found a place for her family and, with her brother’s help, moved into the place where she lives to this day.

“I loved it. It made me feel very good because I was helping the less fortunate. Every piece of clothing I would hang was like, I’m helping somebody else,” she said of her work at the warehouse.

The program she was on was temporary but designed to get people on their feet. But after leaving the program, she had difficulty finding something else.

Once again, Goodwill was there. After six months, she came back to work as a core employee. For nearly a decade, she has been working in janitorial services for Goodwill.

“I’ve been with this company for many years now,” she says. “Probably about 8, 10 years. So it’s like my second home.”

It’s a job Tammy enjoys and intends to keep doing until she retires, despite having several health issues.

“Well, I’m getting up in age, and I still feel comfortable with what I do. I enjoy what I do,” she explains.

Another reason she continues working is it distracts her from personal tragedies. She lost her younger son, Billy, nine months ago. Shortly after, she lost the person she intended to marry.

“We just never know when our time is up. I came home from work, and I found him,” she said of her son. “It’s a vision I don’t wish on no parent — to find their loved one. If it wasn’t for my job, from working for Goodwill, I would have been in a psych ward.”

Her job gives her purpose and joy.

“I wake up, and I know I must sound crazy, but I feel excited. I’ve got a job. I’m blessed. I’m blessed when I can wake up and get out of that bed and go to work and know I do my job to the best of my ability,” she said.

At one time, she said she would crochet or read. Now, she throws herself into her work.

“My son had a life insurance policy. I don’t want the money. I just want him,” she said. “But that’s not possible. That’s not reality. So I choose to work. That’s my enjoyment.”

She focuses her time away from the job, enjoying time with her remaining son, Chris, who also has health issues.

“My goal is to save up and get a house, maybe later down the road,” she said. “When I can retire at 65, maybe my son and I can get a house.”

Tammy said without Goodwill, there was no doubt she and her family would have been on the street. And her work is her way of helping others.

“I don’t have to work, but I choose to. I guess that’s my hobby. Call me crazy or something, but I need to stay busy. And that’s my way of working, helping others, and doing,” she explained. “I am blessed to have a job, that Goodwill gave me a chance … Goodwill gives you chances. They don’t judge you.”

Horizon Goodwill & the Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools Announce Results of Annual Spring Donation Drive

August 29, 2023

Horizon Goodwill & the Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools Announce Results of the Annual Spring Donation Drive

(Hagerstown, Maryland, August 2023) Each spring, Horizon Goodwill Industries partners with the Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (EF/WCPS), and Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) to engage the community in a donation drive to raise funds for the EF WCPS.

This year, Middletown Valley Bank stepped in to sponsor the Goodwill Cup. They donated $1,500 to be split between the top collecting elementary, middle, and high schools.

The “Spring into Education Clothing Drive” resulted in the collection of 23,568 pounds of donations. Each of the 50 schools throughout Washington County (including the Center for Education Services – CES) participated. Donation bins were provided to all the schools by Horizon Goodwill. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators were then challenged to fill them. The donation competition was so intense that many schools had to have additional bins delivered due to the high volume of participation.

At the close of the collection period, the three schools that collected the most donations per student were Cascade Elementary, Clear Spring Middle School, and Williamsport High School. Each of those schools was awarded the Goodwill Cup and $500 from Middletown Valley Bank. Special recognition was given to Autumn Slick from Williamsport High School, who donated 760 items! Through this effort, Horizon Goodwill was able to generate over $9,124.80 for the Education Foundation of WCPS – a dramatic increase from $5,240 in 2022.

Sheila Evers, Executive Director of the Foundation, said, “We cannot thank Horizon Goodwill & Middletown Valley Bank enough for their collaborative sprint and the outreach to support education in Washington County. This was a colossal effort, with over 50 schools participating. Thank you for all your hard work and the support of WCPS students. We can’t wait to see what schools will win next year’s Goodwill Cup!”

Horizon Goodwill President/CEO David Shuster added, “We are glad to see this partnership continue to grow and are thankful for the Goodwill Cup prize funding contributed this year by Middletown Valley Bank. It is great to see the increased support of each school community since this initiative began, all of which helps the Education Foundation provide funds that help improve educational outcomes for students of WCPS.”

The Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (EF/WCPS), Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), Middletown Valley Bank, and Horizon Goodwill Industries would like to thank everyone who supported this collection by making donations.

Filed Under: News

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About the Education Foundation of WCPS: The Education Foundation of WCPS was incorporated in 2009 as the “WCPS Education Foundation” to respond to the local need for increased community involvement and support for public education. The foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of parents, business and civic leaders, as well as WCPS staff. Each year the Education Foundation awards thousands of dollars in Innovative Grants to WCPS educators. The Education Foundation of WCPS Financial Literacy and Super Reader programs support established classroom curricula. For more information visit www.educationfoundationofwcps.org. For media inquiries, contact Sheila Evers, Executive Director at 301-766-2925 or visit execdirector@educationfoundationofwcps.org

About Middletown Valley Bank: Since 1908, Middletown Valley Bank has been the cornerstone for our customers’ financial planning, residents and businesses alike. Though many advances of the 21st century have made the financial world more competitive, Middletown Valley Bank continues to provide the flexibility and responsiveness only a true community bank can offer. Our exceptional customer service combined with state-of-the-art technology, provides our customers with the best banking experience. For more information, visit https://mvbbank.com.

How to Integrate the Soft Style Trend into Your Child’s Back-to-School Wardrobe

August 21, 2023

Integrating the Soft Style Trend into Your Child’s Back-to-School Wardrobe

by Felicia Czochanski

Soft Style has been trending this year, making Easter basket pastels an all-season look. Synchronous with preppy and inspired by vintage brands like Limited Too and Juicy Couture, Soft Style continues to trend for Gen Z and the younger generations. Waiting in line to meet the teacher on the first day, parents will be sure to see children in preppy plaids and softer looks with pops of color. By shopping at Goodwill, bringing this trend into your child’s wardrobe will be affordable and the perfect time for a parent-child shopping outing together before the frenzy of a new school year.

As any parent knows, the younger the child, the quicker they seem to outgrow their clothes. It can be rare for a child to fit in the same clothes they wore the year before, and as a result, it can feel like shopping for new clothes is constant. That’s why shopping at Goodwill is the perfect solution – not only for donating clothes that your child may have outgrown, but also for shopping for like-new, or oftentimes even brand new clothes for a fraction of the cost. I took a trip to my local Goodwill store in Brooklyn, NY, and wanted to share some outfit inspiration below for any parents looking to start sourcing their child’s back-to-school wardrobe. Somehow, the new school year is just around the corner!

Pearly Girl: When I saw this adorable 100% cotton top, I fell in love. It looks like a J.Crew mini-me look and is the perfect special top to wear on the first day of school to make a great first impression. The soft pink color of the stripes keeps the shirt on trend, while the ruffled sleeves and pearl embellishments give it a statement look. You can have your child pair this with their favorite jeans or khaki pants for the perfect Soft Style first-day look.

Jumper Dress: Jumpsuits and overalls aren’t just in for Gen Z – your children can wear these looks too from a Soft Style perspective, like this mauve jumper with adorable bunny pocket detailing above. I paired it with a three-quarter sleeve white bodysuit underneath to stick with a more neutral look, letting the pink of the dress stand out as the statement color of the outfit. When it comes to getting your child through the day, let comfy and cute be your guide in selecting an outfit.

Soft Style for Middle Schoolers: If your child has graduated into secondary school, Soft Style can still be for them. Let your child select some new t-shirts that stick with the trend, pastels like on the pink Buffalo David Bitton top above with ruffles on the sides, and a pair of comfortable and dress code-appropriate denim shorts. You’ll also start to see some throwbacks from perhaps when you were in middle school (I know, I can’t believe it either!) with looks based around plaid skirts and even skorts in bright and light colors. If you’re lucky, you might even find a vintage Limited Too version that was just like what you might have worn back in the day.

We want to see your child’s first day of school outfits sourced from Goodwill! Be sure to tag us @horizongoodwill in your photo or reel on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

Ten Steps to Get Organized

August 8, 2023

Ten Steps to Get Organized for Back-To-School Clothes Shopping

By Lorie Morrero

We are fast approaching back-to-school time and now is a great time to share how to get ahead of the game with a quick project to ease your way into the shopping season.

Soon, back-to-school ads will be promoted everywhere, including your nearest Goodwill, with great deals on clothing and supplies. But the only way to take full advantage of these savings is to know what you need in the first place!

You can save the most time, money, and hassle if you know what you already have that works, what each child needs for the current season, and what each child needs for the next season. So let’s help you get a step ahead by getting your kids’ clothing organized for some savvy shopping.

TEN STEPS TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHING ORGANIZATION

Typically, you want to get as much of this project done as possible without the kids and involve them for a targeted amount of time at the end. If kids are older or if they are interested in the process, they may benefit from being involved so that they can learn from what you’re doing.

You’ll need the following supplies to get started:

Paper grocery sacks
Plastic storage bins
Permanent marker
Paper and Pen
Bonus: label maker for bins

Let’s dive in:

Get the laundry done as much as possible to give you a full view of what you have. As you fold the laundry, note the sizes of the kids’ underwear, shirts, and pants. Also, make a note of anything that needs to be replaced.
Tell the kids you’ll ask them later to try on a few clothes to see if they fit. Many children cooperate better if given advance notice to transition into activities.
Start with the folded clothing in their dresser drawers, such as socks, underwear, shorts, and sweaters. Check each item for size and wear-and-tear, neaten it up, and organize it as needed. Make note along the way of anything you need to purchase.
If you’re not sure whether something fits, start a try-on pile for each child for later.
Anything that has been outgrown can be placed in a paper sack to donate to Goodwill. Mark the bag with the permanent marker with the word “donate.” You can also label and use the bags to sort other items like toys that need putting away in other rooms.
If you have younger family members who may want outgrown items as hand-me-downs, put these items in storage bins and label the full boxes by gender, range of sizes, and season.
Next, move to the closet and tackle the hanging clothing. Keep noting what needs replacing and areas that are coming up short. Consider everything in terms of “good school clothes” and count how many shirts, pants, and dresses will currently work.
Once you’ve gone through all of each child’s clothing, take whatever’s left in the try-on pile and grab the kids for a try-on session. Some kids may be more cooperative if you let them try on while they watch a favorite show as a treat, and some may think it’s a big fun fashion show! Do have fun with it and work with your child’s preferences to make it painless for everyone.
Write down everything you notice that is needed and the correct sizes for everyone. Don’t forget underwear, socks, belts, ties, hair accessories, jackets, sweaters, school uniforms, “party clothes,” athletic shoes, casual shoes and dress shoes.
Take your bags of donations to your nearest Goodwill donation center. You can find the closest one using our locator. You’ll be helping fund programs and services in your own community that help people get good jobs while helping the planet too!

Now you’re ready! Your kids’ clothes are organized, and you have a list of exactly what you need to get from the big sales in a few weeks. And don’t forget the bargains you can get every day shopping at Goodwill, where gently used kids’ clothing can be the perfect way to save even more.

Happy summer, and welcome back students!

Learning New Marketable Skills

July 17, 2023

Learning New Marketable Skills

by Lucille Adams, guest author*

Re-entering the workforce and looking for a job can be exciting, but it can also be downright scary. What if there’s nothing out there for you? What if you don’t have the skills to do a job? Rather think about it this way: This is a chance to learn new skills that you’ll be able to use to get a job. This’ll mean you are more likely to find employment.

You could always enroll in night school or go to college to complete a certificate or even a degree. That’s not the only way to learn new skills, though. There are other opportunities that can make you marketable as a worker. You could aim to go to school in the future, but right now, there are plenty of other skills you can learn that are immediately marketable.

If you do a search looking for certain courses or specific skills, the hits that come up first have been with search engine optimization, meaning they feature the correct keywords to make them first in the queue.

Literacy

A lot of the new skills that are marketable presuppose or require some form of literacy. The first level of literacy is to be able to communicate. Go out and find a conversational course in a new language or refine your ability in another language. These skills could be very useful to help you to get your foot in the door with an entry-level job.

The Service Industry

Everywhere you visit, you’ll find some kind of food-related businesses. They offer a range of possible employment opportunities. Begin working in a restaurant kitchen as a kitchen helper. From there, you can learn the basics of the kitchen and aim to become at least a kitchen assistant.

There is also an opportunity to get yourself onto the floor as a server. You can learn the skills of relating to people and organizing the front-of-house, which will be useful if you aim to be a maître d of a restaurant, or even work in a hotel.

Bookkeeping

Finances and record keeping are often the bane of anyone’s life. Even in small businesses, or where there is a one-person operation, it’s vital to keep the books correctly. If your basic math is good, you could possibly look for basic bookkeeping courses, which will make you marketable because everybody has to check their finances.

Childcare and Tutoring

The pandemic caused a lot of children to stay home from school. Most schools either offered work the children could do at home or an online teaching alternative. Families engage tutors to look after their children and to help guide them in their studies.

There are opportunities to begin as a childminder, caregiver or tutor. From there, you can work to upskill yourself as a teacher or tutor. This’ll open you up to a number of jobs, either at schools, in tutoring companies or working as a private tutor.

Content Writing

Writing content sounds pretty simple and something that you don’t need any skills to do. You do need some kind of ability to do research. To write content means to produce pieces of writing that discuss, explain or just present information relevant to a company. You can do courses in content writing.

Handcraft

Learning handcraft can be a great way to work at making your own money or finding a way into a company that uses that craft. Ask a relative or a friend to teach you to do handcraft like knitting or sewing. You could also take a class to learn handcraft.

Once you’ve learned those skills, you will be able to begin making garments or toys for people. If you work at it, you can turn your handcraft into a business.

Building and Repairs

Any building can be tricky and constantly need things to be fixed. If you can offer to work on the small, irritating, but mostly necessary issues, you could find work as a handy worker.

You can look for a position as an assistant to a contractor. The work can be quite mundane and tiring at first, but it’ll give you the opportunity to learn on the job and master the skills of building, repair, or maintenance. These will help you possibly establish yourself as a contractor one day.

Trade Internships

Another alternative to learning new skills is to learn on the job as an intern. Look out for an opportunity to work with a tradesman, like a plumber or an electrician. You may not get paid, but the skills you’ll learn will be invaluable.

*Lucille Adams is a researcher and writer in the area of personal and business financial management. Her core focus is covering sound, conservative cash flow and investing strategies that unlock long-term value for small business owners, entrepreneurs, families, and retirees.